Mon April 15, 2013

Travis County DA Arrested for Drunk Driving (Update)

UPDATE: Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg says she will plead guilty to a DWI charge and will accept whatever punishment is handed down.

Lehmberg sent the following letter to County Attorney David Escamilla over the weekend:

To: Mr. David Escamilla and the Judge of any Court of Jurisdiction

From: Rosemary Lehmberg

Date: April 14, 2013

Please accept this as my Plea of Guilt to the Charge of Driving While Intoxicated, arising from my arrest on 4/12/13, for whatever level of offense is determined to be justified by the facts.

I enter this unconditional Plea without request for delay, without legal argument by counsel, without any plea bargain, and without any request for leniency or consideration of any type.

I am guilty of DWI and of acting unreasonably and the fault is all my own. I am deeply sorry for my actions. I apologize to the citizens of Travis County and specifically to the dedicated officers and employees who had to deal with my violation and any disrespectful conduct after my arrest.

Further, I agree to appear, without delay, to enter this plea and I accept whatever assessment of jail time is deemed appropriate by the sentencing Court.

In addition, I agree to waive any right to consideration of probation and waive any right of appeal of my guilt or my punishment, whatever it may be.

UPDATE (6:15 p.m.): Travis County D.A. Rosemary Lehmberg released the following state through her office late this afternoon:

I am truly sorry to have let the citizens of Travis County down. I deeply regret my actions and take full responsibility. As I continue to carry out my responsibilities as District Attorney, I hope that the community will forgive my mistake.

UPDATE (12:28 p.m.): A Travis County Sheriff's deputy arrested District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg for drunk driving after someone called 911 around 10:45 p.m. last night, according to an arrest affidavit.

The caller said they saw a Lexus driving in the bike lane on southbound FM 620 for about a mile before swerving back into the proper lane. The caller also said the Lexus briefly swerved into oncoming traffic near Comanche Trail.

The arresting officer reported Lehmberg smelled moderately of alcohol and that her eyes were bloodshot and glassy.

The officer said Lehmberg's speech was slurred and she mumbled and that while she was polite and cooperative, she was also "insulting" and "cocky."

The officer also reported an open container of vodka in the passenger area of Lehmberg's car.

The affidavit does not indicate whether Lehmberg was given a breath or blood test. But the arresting officer reports she lost her balance and was wobbly during a walk and turn test.

The officer reports Lehmberg admitted to having two vodka drinks earlier in the evening.

She was held on $3,000 bond.

EARLIER: Several news organizations are reporting that Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg was arrested early this morning for drunk driving.

The Statesman reports Lehmberg was arrested just after 2 a.m. and released from the county jail around 8:30 this morning.